March 26, 2015

XII Boar - Pitworthy

By Matt Hinch. I'm not as in touch with any “buzz” on the interwebs as I used to be but I have seen enough to know folks are diggin' on XII Boar. And after ripping through their first full-length, Pitworthy

I'm not as in touch with any “buzz” on the interwebs as I used to be but I have seen enough to know folks are diggin' on XII Boar. And after ripping through their first full-length, Pitworthy I'm inclined to agree. The power trio of Timmy Hardrocks (guitar/vocals), Adam “Bad-Dog” Thomas (bass) and Dave Wilbraham (drums) sure do make some fun metal 'n' roll.

Their approach is simple; heavy-ass rock, catchy riffs and sweet solos. Nothing too over the top or straying from the path. Well, the 11+ minute “Quint” might be pushing it a bit but not beyond the walls of acceptance. It's their “epic closer”.

Up to that point though it's pretty straightforward rock. Their performance is locked tight and heavy on the groove. And there's no doubt they know how to work a room. Just lay on that crunchy tone and neverending riff-o-rama and watch the place explode. Throw them on a bill with Admiral Sir Cloudesly Shovell and the venue will crumble.

Judging by that southern groove and their list of influence (High on Fire, Weedeater, Iron Monkey, Motorhead, Sabbath etc.) you would expect these lads to reside in Louisiana or Texas or something but no. They're from the UK. Which makes some sense given their proximity to Irish whiskey and scotch. You can hear that type of drink roughen up Tommy's gruff, weathered vocals.

They've got some killer choruses up their patched jean vests too, especially on “Young Man” and the single “Rock City”. Both of those feature some great bass work from Bad-dog, to the point they could be considered solos.

Stuck in the middle of all the loudness and crashing cymbals is “Crawdaddy Blues”. (Do they even have crawdads in the UK?) It's a jangley acoustic blues number with no vocals that solidifies the bluesy influence infecting Pitworthy.

Pitworthy is loaded with straight up killer rockin' metal with sludge/stoner edge and an unpretentious, fun nature. Pitworthy indeed and perfect for knockin' back some drinks and gettin' down. Plus, that album cover would make an awesome shirt!